This summer, Susan G. Komen Columbus hosted several summer interns, who brought energy and much needed man-power to several of our important mission programs! We are pleased to introduce you to these hard-working interns, who have been instrumental in supporting our mission work, and have also learned valuable skills in public health and non-profit work to supplement their course work.
Name: G’Kahlin Ford-Noble
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Studies: B.A. Sociology major, public health minor- The Ohio State University
Position: Worship in Pink intern
G’kahlin says, “I have always been a supporter of the Susan G. Komen foundation. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, and I had no clue there was a Columbus affiliate so when I saw the position I was very excited to learn more about it. After speaking with Julie, and learning about Worship in Pink, I didn’t hesitate to jump on board with this amazing cause and knew it would be nothing less than a great experience.” G’kahlin has helped in the re-design of the Worship in Pink, developed educational materials, recruited participants and supported administration of the program. After graduation, she would like to work at a non-profit, and discover what area to focus on in graduate school.
Name: Caitlin Waite
Hometown: Moorestown, New Jersey
Studies: B.A. Public Health, The Ohio State University
Position: Education and Wellness Intern
Caitlin says, “I wanted to get experience in wellness and outreach, and Komen Columbus provided me a wonderful opportunity to help the affiliate get involved into the wellness community and spread awareness about breast cancer and early prevention.” Throughout the summer, Caitlin’s projects ranged from researching third-party employee wellness partners to grant application work to working with Komen grantees and health departments. After graduation Caitlin plans to work in community/ corporate wellness. Caitlin will continue her work with us through the fall, focusing on qualitative work.
Name: Kimberly Glover
Hometown: Hollis, New Hampshire
Studies: M.A. Public Health, Epidemiology, The Ohio State University
Position: Community Profile Qualitative Intern
Kim tells us, “I interned at Susan G. Komen in order to gain hands-on experience in the field of public health. I enjoyed learning about the inner workings of setting up focus groups in order to gather qualitative data as well as working with individuals who are passionate about the well-being of Ohioans.” Kim completed her practicum requirement for her master’s program with us, and loved her work so much, she plans to return to complete her work on focus groups in Marion County this fall. Her work will be included in the 2015 Community Profile.
Name: Sarah Johns
Hometown: Orrville, Ohio
Studies: B.A. Sociology and Public Health, The Ohio State University
Position: Community Profile Health Systems Analysis Intern
Sarah is involved with a variety of community programs including leading a non-profit to benefit children of Nicaragua, serving as an HIV/AIDS test counselor. Sarah is also currently an intern at the Neighborhood House Inc., an outpatient substance abuse program. Upon graduation, Sarah plans to join the Peace Corps and return to pursue a dual masters degree in public health and policy.
Sarah investigated breast health services located in Komen Columbus’ service area and assisted in analyzing the data for strengths and weaknesses in the local health system. This important work will be a major part of our look into the continuum of care in the 2015 Community Profile. Sarah will continue her work with us through the fall, focusing on qualitative work.
As a steward of funding raised by our supporters, Komen Columbus’s mission work accomplished even more with the help of interns, who also get the opportunity to gain hands on experience in public health work. We thank them for their commitment, hard work, willingness to learn, and great attitudes. Thanks to G’kahlin, Caitlin, Kim and Sarah, our Worship in Pink program will deliver education to more than 14 participating organizations, our Health Systems and Public Policy Analysis gives us great insight into the needs of our community, and our Qualitative investigation is off to a great start!
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